SINGAPORE - Staff and members of the public donated 140 units of blood at Singapore Press Holdings' twice yearly blood donation drive on Thursday.

Some 190 people turned up to give blood, though 50 could not donate due to medical conditions.

The total topped last year's January drive which collected 120 units.

Now in its 15th year, the SPH Red Apple Day aims to encourage blood donations during festive periods when blood supplies are usually low.

Mr Alan Chan, chief executive officer of SPH, said: "The SPH Red Apple Day is our way of helping the community and providing the gift of life to those in need. Through this event, we aim to raise awareness of the importance of blood donation and to encourage more blood donors to step forward. We would like to thank all staff and members of the public for supporting SPH Red Apple Day 2015."

Mr Ang Hoe Kiat, 44, was one of the donors who turned up for the drive. His mother was involved in a bad accident in 2007. "She lost a lot of blood but a transfusion saved her," said Mr Ang, who is head of advertising operations and creative at SPH's digital division. "That's why I'm giving back, I know blood donations really save lives."